Goztepe to host first match in new stadium

The Izmir-based football club are gearing up for their first match in their brand new home stadium on Monday, January 26.

Turkish Super Lig side Goztepe fans will rejoice as the club’s almost three-year wait for a new stadium comes to an end on Monday, January 26.

Their new, 20-thousand capacity stadium has been completed and been given the green light by the Turkish Football Federation to host their first ever match — against Super Lig giants Besiktas nonetheless.

The stadium, named Gursel Aksel Stadium after a former player of the club who spent his entire career with Goztepe, took two years to complete at a cost of 219 million Turkish Lira — roughly €33.4 million.

Gates will be opened three hours before kick-off against Besiktas and a pre-game show to celebrate the club’s achievement will take place.

The stadium’s capacity will be increased to 25,000, according to the club’s president, Mehmet Sepil. The planned expansion will take place in the days after the opening game against Besiktas.